Seminoles counting on Tate Rodemaker to step in and deliver at QB

Coach Mike Norvell has been adamant that his 11-0 Seminoles must play with more focus and perform better around their new passer.

By Bob Ferrante

Orlando Sentinel Correspondent

TALLAHASSEE — A familiar face returned to the Florida State practice field on Wednesday morning. Jordan Travis watched practice from the back of a golf cart, the quarterback’s left leg propped up as he took time to hug and encourage teammates.

While Travis’ FSU on-field career has wrapped up due to a leg injury, it’s clear he will be very close to the program and it’s possible he could travel to watch the Seminoles (11-0) play at Florida (5-6).

Here are three questions as the Seminoles prepare for Saturday’s game (7 p.m. on ESPN);

Can Tate Rodemaker remain composed in a pressure moment on the road?

The Swamp will be intimidating but fourth-year quarterback Tate Rodemaker has thrown 93 college passes, with a good chunk coming in a road win over Louisville and Saturday’s win over North Alabama. Rodemaker said he feels a sense of calm knowing he will be starting on Saturday.

“I think it’s a lot easier on my nerves,” Rodemaker said. “I know that’s probably surprising. But as the backup, I’m one play away and that happened unfortunately this week. You never know if you’re going to play or not as a backup. But now I know I’m going to play. It’s a lot easier to prepare.”

Rodemaker said his confidence took time to build but he took a jump forward when filling in for an injured Travis at Louisville in September 2022. After an early interception, Rodemaker settled in and completed 6 of 10 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.

Will FSU play well around Rodemaker?

Seminoles coach Mike Norvell lamented drops in FSU’s game on Saturday, and the message was clear: The Seminoles must play with more focus and play better around Rodemaker.

Keon Coleman missed a game but leads the ACC with 11 touchdown receptions while Johnny Wilson missed three games yet still has 33 receptions for 532 yards and two TD catches. Rodemaker certainly has playmakers, and Norvell noted Darion Williamson as well as Kentron Poitier are in the mix after battling injuries.

“It’s nice getting that entire group ready to go out there and play,” Norvell said.

Rodemaker could also connect with friend and tight end Jaheim Bell. The pair grew up playing football in Valdosta, Ga., and Bell has frequently found openings over the middle (36 catches, 465 yards).

Does FSU need a statement win or a victory with style points?

FSU dropped a spot to No. 5 in the College Football Playoff standings on Tuesday. CFP committee chair Boo Corrigan said that Travis’ injury was not a factor, and the choice to move up Washington “had everything to do with Washington.”

The Huskies did benefit from a difficult schedule in November, which includes wins over CFP No. 16 Oregon State, as well as an Oct. 14 win over CFP No. 6 Oregon. FSU has a pair of wins over ranked teams — No. 14 LSU and No. 24 Clemson — but doesn’t get much credit for wins over Miami and Duke (both had been ranked at points in 2023 but aren’t currently).

Any FSU fan would take a one-point win over Florida. But it is worth raising the question of whether the Seminoles need a decisive performance in the eyes of the CFP committee. Norvell is focused on the road ahead — Florida and then Louisville in the ACC title game — and not the rankings.

“Got to go win a game,” Norvell said. “We get to play one next week and we got to go do everything we can to win that one. And the rest of it will take care of itself.”